most of the stands are rated at 300lbs because the harness they sell with them is only rated for 300lbs.

also for the manufacturer to rate a stand at a certain weight, i the stand must be tested repeatedly and proven safe at DOUBLE the rated weight. i was at an outddoor show and watched a manufacturer put 750lbs in a stand only rated to 275 without incident.

im about 340, and with gear im prolly about 385ish and i used to hunt from a stand rated for 250lbs. i upgraded to a new stand that is wider and more comfy with a rating of 350, the API grand slam magnum.